According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA), TCAM includes ayurveda, homoeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Unani medicine and naturopathy among others. The authorities stipulate that no person or governmental agency can operate a TCAM facility or provide services without first obtaining a licence.

Speaking on regulatory issues, Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for medical practice and licensing, MOH, told Gulf News, that though TCAM practitioners have to pass the ministry’s TCAM exam to practice in the UAE, TCAM services are being practised outside the purview of the health authorities’ regulations.

“We do not have the authority to control those who operate out of homes,” he said, urging residents to be vigilant. “Whenever the ministry has discovered illegal practice through inspections, we have notified the concerned municipality department for legal action. We urge residents not to seek treatment from unlicensed practitioners as they could risk their health.”

Gulf News also learnt that insufficient regulations were affecting licensed TCAM practitioners who believe the issue brings them — and their profession — ill repute and compromise patient safety.

To understand the severity of the issue, Gulf News spoke to a few.

Dr Maria Ridao Alonso, physician in Chinese medicine and medical director at the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, said that the problem is that TCAM is practiced outside accredited and licensed clinics through homes and/or shops.

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She said, “The quality of treatments and the qualifications of these practitioners might be doubtful. Health authorities should focus on patient awareness so patients can choose the right places for treatments and not compromise their safety.”

Dr Parviz Rashvand, naturopathic medicine practitioner, Synergy Integrated Medical Centre, Dubai, also highlighted the health risk. He said, “Any treatment requires medical knowledge, and lack of it is dangerous. Unauthorised practice of medicine could cause irreversible damage. The legal system should cover such damage due to illegal practice.”

Dr Akshay Batra, homoeopath and trichologist, and CEO of Dr. Batra’s Positive Health Clinic, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), spoke of the need for licensing to ensure credibility of various medical streams. He said, “Standardising the licensing procedure is vital for health care, especially as the industry is moving towards a more integrative approach, offering ayurveda, homoeopathy and other therapies to mainstream treatment. Gaining credibility comes as a by-product of being standardised in procedures and protocols.”

Comments

1 Comment

Fazal Ahmed

Aug 8, 2607 11:25

I accept that non MOH or DHA holders doing such things is illegal.However what about those who have already have licence and not gettingjobs. Is it fare enough for such people to practice independently?. TheRule of Ministry is not straight in case of TCAM, at one point it issueslicence to practice but does not allow to practice independently. TheMinistry should allow TCAM practitioners to practice independently. Asthese people are Doctors and have a valid degree just like MBBS. I thinkthis is the only way by which this crime can be controlled.

Fazal Ahmed

Aug 8, 2607 11:25

I accept that non MOH or DHA holders doing such things is illegal.However what about those who have already have licence and not gettingjobs. Is it fare enough for such people to practice independently?. TheRule of Ministry is not straight in case of TCAM, at one point it issueslicence to practice but does not allow to practice independently. TheMinistry should allow TCAM practitioners to practice independently. Asthese people are Doctors and have a valid degree just like MBBS. I thinkthis is the only way by which this crime can be controlled.

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I accept that non MOH or DHA holders doing such things is illegal.However what about those who have already have licence and not gettingjobs. Is it fare enough for such people to practice independently?. TheRule of Ministry is not straight in case of TCAM, at one point it issueslicence to practice but does not allow to practice independently. TheMinistry should allow TCAM practitioners to practice independently. Asthese people are Doctors and have a valid degree just like MBBS. I thinkthis is the only way by which this crime can be controlled.

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